Becoming a veterinarian is long and demanding, but the rewards are worth it. It takes years of schooling and training to become a veterinarian.
Years of hard work, studying, and training are required before you can become a fully qualified veterinarian. The amount of time it takes to be a veterinarian depends on your chosen program, the type of veterinarian you want to be and whether or not you have experience working with animals.
The following guide outlines what kind of training is required, how long it takes and what career opportunities are available for veterinarians.
Preparing to Become a Veterinarian
The application process is highly competitive. Students must have taken advanced biology, math, chemistry, and biochemistry classes to be considered for the program.
However, if a student does not meet all the requirements for admission to a graduate program (or wants to start prepping early), they can enroll in veterinarian prep programs.
Veterinary-preparation programs are designed to prepare students for the rigours of veterinary school by giving them a strong foundation in the veterinary field. Only those who pass this stage will be accepted into grad school.
Graduate School
Most veterinary schools require four years of coursework and clinical training to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Large referral centers often offer internships that provide experience in a variety of cases. Once the student has graduated, they need to get a license and go for an internship before they can practice independently.
A licensure examination is also required for all veterinarians who wish to practice medicine in the United States. Once a veterinarian has passed this exam and obtained their license, they can practice medicine anywhere in the country.
Internship and Residencies
Many veterinarians go to work as interns at large referral centers, where they gain experience with a broader range of cases than is typically offered in private practice.
After completing the internship and passing the board exam, many veterinarians choose to complete a residency. Residencies are usually three years long and allow you to specialize further in areas such as orthopedics, surgery, or small animal medicine.
Specialize Veterinary Medicine
You can also complete a residency in your desired specialty and continue with additional advanced training. Many specialties require three years of training before a board will certify you.
The specialty board is your final hurdle to becoming a veterinarian. After completing your residency and passing the board exam, you can specialize in small animal medicine, surgery, or internal medicine. If you choose not to complete a residency and instead complete an internship in veterinary medicine, you will still have the option of specializing later in your career.
Starting Your Journey as a Veterinary Doctor
Several options are available when you have completed your residency and are ready to practice. You can work at an animal hospital or clinic, which will allow you to care for pets while also learning how to manage larger cases such as horses and livestock.
You can also work as an emergency veterinarian, which is an excellent option if you enjoy working with sick animals and providing care to those who need it most. If you prefer working at home, you can become a mobile veterinarian.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to becoming a veterinary doctor. Not only is it a rewarding career, but you also have the opportunity to help animals in need and provide them with the care they deserve.
If you are a newly certified veterinarian, you can buy a veterinary practice and start your own business, which is a great way to achieve financial security. At myVETgroup we can help you find a veterinary practice that is right for you. Contact us now.
